Asking manager for a reference

OpenToSuggestions

OpenToSuggestions

OpenToSuggestions

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2006
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11,396
Location
Derbyshire
Hey all.
I've had the odd thread recently about a friend looking for a job, well this one is for me :p.

I'm looking at a new job, to which my CV obviously requires references.
I'm not sure my current manager would take it well if I asked him for one. He's a pretty good manager and a decent enough bloke, but I'd like to move on yet don't wish to make things awkward unless I have to (I.e. interview). Yesterday I had my annual review with him and he is happy with my performance. I have many colleagues I can ask but he's the one I properly report to.
I'm an engineer (degree in manufacturing but employed as mechanical) and am very keen on a new factory opening up to do with car manufacturing as the company I'm currently is undervaluing me with no desire to change things.

At this moment in time it is just my CV.

Which route is the most professional to take?
 
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Wait until you've interviewed, been offered the role and your prospective employer does the pre-employment checks including asking for a reference from current employer.

I've never heard of anyone approaching your referees until this stage - you simply have to nominate them at application stage, not provide it as each company has it's own way of gaining what it needs from the referee.
 
Yeah always go with the 'referees available upon request' approach.

Then your referee only has to know last minute so wont make things awkward imo.
 
from what i understand until they offer you a position they can not contact anyone for a reference so if you want to put a referee down put your boss but they shouldnt contact him... a lot of companys will only disclose statistical information (employment time, attendance %) unless you have a good relationship with your manager then he may offer a more personal reference.
 
If he's your current employer then you should not ask him for a reference unless you know he has the authority to give you a reference on behalf of your company. Normally the HR department has sole authority to give references.
 
They will seek references during the pre-employment checks.

Rule number one of any employment, is to make sure your line manager thinks a lot of you.
Once you've got a new job, make sure that you play it down and act like they've offered you something that the current employer couldn't ever offer.
If you've met rule number one, you're line manager will quickly appreciate your position and provide a golden reference when requested.
 
There's no need to write references on request on a CV, it's a waste of space because if you don't list them it's just assumed that you can provide some when asked.

I've never listed references on any applications but provided them when asked (and after I've brief the referees). Never had any issues.
 
I'm not sure formal references are necessarily even required these days... quite standard for a third party vetting company to phone the old employer(s) and just check the job title, dates of employment...

you've got your previous/current employers, job title, dates you were there etc.. on the CV - no need to mention references or worry about asking someone to be prepared to write one if you don't know yet whether it will even be asked for... Also consider that your manager might be prevented from writing one anyway as a result of company policy.

If the new hiring manager needs to check on you then they may well do it informally by other means and in advance of making you an offer... asking someone who used to work for your company but now works at the new place etc... or perhaps someone in their company knows someone at your company who can be asked about you informally.... its always good to maintain good relations with colleagues and to try not to burn bridges.
 
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I wouldn't wait until interviewed, discuss with your manager.

Tell him you're happy in the company but need to progress your career, knowing there is no openings to do so within the company you must therefore move on, could you have a reference?

He's highly unlikely to take it personally, this is a business matter, not a personal matter. You need to do whats right for you and yours at the end of the day, and if that means changing company then that's what you've got to do. You can't be loyal to any firm these days.
 
Unless you know your reference won't come back favourably, just leave the details off - Don't want to approach your manager prematurely and make things awkward / ruin chances of any promotion if you don't get the job.
 
As above really, just put available upon request.

I interview lots of people for my company and I would never approach for a reference prior to a interview. I can also honestly say that I have never received a bad reference from a current employer when requesting them.
 
I've never had a problem putting references on CVs and getting prior concent from my existing boss, it has in the past actually prompted increased salary offers too when they find out I'm considering leaving.

This is a professional relationship, I don't see the problem.
 
This is a professional relationship, I don't see the problem.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately OP's manager could be unprofessional about it, not everyone recognizes the proper way to conduct business.

Inside work, we should be for all intents and purposes, psychopaths - emotion should not play any part in the decision making or behaviour, outside of work matters you do what you like but inside of business, keep your feelings to yourself.
 
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So you ask now but don't get the job. Your manager no longer trusts you are committed and your workplace becomes a horrible place to be.

Alternatively you wait until you are offered the job. Your manager is annoyed but provides the reference as he is bound to, and you leave.
 
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